Developing Student Character: Community College Professors Who Share Power

Abstract

This phenomenological study examined the definitions, values, and experiences of seven community college professors who have tried to promote student character development by sharing some of their power in the classroom. Power sharing is a participative gesture, and participative teachers can encourage students to become more engaged in their own learning processes. This participative style of teaching may develop into a partnership between students and teachers. This requires students to make decisions, be responsible for their learning, and work collaboratively with others. Through the practice and habit of making decisions, students may be able to promote their own character development. To facilitate this development, these faculty members focused on awareness, care, student engagement, group dynamics, academic integrity, a welcoming environment, and a sharing attitude. The essential theme of developing character emerged from my reflections of the data gathered from the face-to-face interviews. Five structural themes included diversity, self-identity, commitment, sacrifice, and becoming.